Stoops: Music City Bowl "puts fans in a pickle," but there are enough fans to support both sports

By drawing the Music City Bowl for its postseason bowl game, Kentucky Football put the fan base in a tough spot. Not only is the matchup with Iowa an unexciting rematch of a year ago, but this year’s Music City Bowl will kick off at the exact same time as Kentucky Basketball’s annual rivalry game with Louisville in Rupp Arena.

On Monday, Mark Stoops apologized for the inconvenience to Big Blue Nation and said the Music City scheduling conflict was beyond the program’s control. He began his opening remarks by saying, “Very honored to play in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl. I know it was a great experience–other than the outcome–in 2017. I know it puts our fans in a pickle and I’m very sorry about that; there’s not a lot we can do about that.”

In 2017, Kentucky’s Music City Bowl appearance kicked off on the same day as Kentucky Basketball’s home game versus Louisville, but not at the same time. Fans were able to watch both games back-to-back without having to pick one or the other in real-time.

This time around, it’s a direct head-to-head with a line in the sand between football and basketball, but Stoops believes Kentucky fans will pack both venues to support the competing noon Kentucky games on New Year’s Eve.

“The fact that our fans are a little bit torn, it worked in ’17. I know the times were different. But once again this year, I expect Rupp to be packed for the Louisville game and I expect us to sell our allotment of tickets and have a quality group of people there as well. There’s enough Kentucky fans to be able to spread it around and support both programs like you always do. So thank you to the BBN and we look forward to it once again.”

As for the rematch with Iowa, he is excited for another shot at his alma mater and expects another challenge that will be a fight until the end.

“For ourselves and for our team, it’s an honor to play in this game,” he added. “Again, I think some people may like it or not like it, that we’re repeat playing an Iowa team, but I know this, it’ll be one heck of a football game once again. A team that is not going anywhere. They’re always gonna be there. They’re gonna fight you tooth and nail.

“Kirk Ferentz is as steady as can be; the longest-tenured coach in college football, if I’m not mistaken. And just a very quality program and they have been for years. As you know, that’s my alma mater. With that being said, it is what it is. But for us, it’s an honor to play in that game.”

Hear all Stoops had to say Monday in his 30-minute press conference about Kentucky Football’s postseason.

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.